(1)   Dry the collected water hyacinth for 3-4 days to reduce excessive water and loss of nutrients

(2)   Place the dried water hyacinth making 15 cm height on a wooden/bamboo made stand

(3)   Add 200 g urea and 200 g TSP over the heap to accelerate the fermentation process

(4)   After that, cover the heap with cow dung and moist soil making at least 2cm thickness

(5)   Repeat the process un till the heap gets 1 m height

(6)   After that, cover the entire heap with moist clayey soil and arrange shade over the heap

(7)   After one week or so, make the hole over the heap with the stick to allow aeration

(8)   After drying, holes should be closed

(9)   In case of over drying, cattle urine or water should be added through the hole to make moist for proper decomposition

(10)           When composted materials broken down upon gentle pressure of fingers then it is assumed to be well prepared for application

(11)           About 3 months will be required for proper decomposition

Dr. Shamsun Noor
CSO & Head
Soil Science Division
BARI